Californians will have the option to identify as nonbinary on birth certificates

A reporter holds a copy of President Barack Obama’s long form birth certificate in the Briefing Room of the White House April 27, 2011 in Washington, DC.; Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

AirTalk®

There will be a third option for Californians who neither identify as male nor female on birth certificates and driver’s licenses.

As reported by the New York Times, the birth certificate portion on the nonbinary gender designation bill, SB179, will be implemented in 2018. The San Francisco Gate reported that this would make California the first state in the U.S. to offer the gender-neutral option.

Nonbinary is a term typically for people who fall outside gender norms. The option for driver’s licenses will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

Today, Larry speaks to a supporter and critic of the bill.

Guests:

Jo Michael, legislative manager for Equality California, a non-profit that advocates for LGBTQ people and allies; Equality California co-sponsored the bill

Jonathan Keller, president of the California Family Council, a non-profit that works to advance the sanctity of human life, importance of the family, and necessity of religious liberty; the California Family Council was opposed to the bill